MAN is a network connection of computers that is larger than a single building LAN connection but smaller than WAN. Computers of a specific area are connected so that the survey has access to the operations of all the computers under the MAN. Additionally, connections of several LAN networks are combined to make the MAN system. The name “metropolitan” in this case indicates the size of the network system that is larger than the Local Area Network (LAN). On the contrary, a metropolitan does not indicate the demographic feature of the area in which it performs the network operations.
MAN Full Form
MAN includes several LAN network systems of a city in a single network connection and a more effective network to connect a vast network system. Use of MAN network systems has developed the scope to develop a point-to-point connection of the computers located in a region of several LAN networks. Additionally, the objective of a MAN network is to provide a communication channel between two distinct LAN nodes. MAN networks are commonly developed using the optical fiber components and switches, routers, and all are used to develop the network. Data frames are filtered in the MAN network system using the switch of this MAN network. Switch devices of this MAN network act as a dual-port system and perform filtration at one end and control network connection at the alternative end.
Another device that is also used to develop the connection of a MAN network system is the router. Use of a router is necessary for this network to identify the best way for the data packets through which those packets can effectively be transmitted. In this way, MAN ensures close monitoring of the data transmission and port connectivity. It has been identified that the general radius of the MAN system falls in the radius range of 5 to 50 km.
Advantages of MAN
MAN is larger than the local network system LAN but smaller than the wide range network connectivity system WAN. MAN develops a network connectivity system that connects users to many other computer resources of a specific area. Some of the advantages of the MAN network are going to be discussed in the following manner,
- MAN provides higher security options than WAN and a wider network system than LAN
- MAN system is cost-effective as it can enhance connection to share common resources such as scanner, printer, and all
- Implementation cost of MAN is also cost-effective than WAN as this network system incorporates fewer resources than WAN
- MAN incorporates a dual bus in its system and this dual bus is useful to transmit the data in both the directions
- MAN given interface for the user for several LAN networks and usually develops a connection of city blocks or a whole city
- MAN enhances efficiency and effectiveness to manage data transfer in the entire network system
- It is vital to use separated MAN systems to develop an interconnection between them for a WAN network system
Different types of MAN technologies
Different types of MAN technologies are there that are giving different infrastructure to this network system.
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Fiber distribution interface for data connection
This technology is widely used in the MAN system and uses optical fiber to develop the network infrastructure. Optical fiber is effective to transmit data to a large number of customers at a time. This network system is also known as FDDI and can be expanded to a 200 km range for the network connectivity system.
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Asynchronous-transfer Mode (ATM)
This technology is used for digital transfer of the data and ensures the facility of real-time data transmission. In this system, packets are being isolated and transferred for a period of time. For example, during a video conference process, high quality video and audio are combined for the access. Therefore, it has developed a suitable platform for a huge range of data transmission through the network using the ATM technology.
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SMDS
In this technology data is being transferred through a connectionless service and information is stored in the header to transmit in different locations. Small data packets are generated for the transmission using the SMDS and ATM technology of the MAN system.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the use of MAN in to connect computer devices of a specific network area is effective. Additionally, MAN is used to transfer data efficiently on both sides of the channel. It is also observed that MAN is used in the video conferencing system to transmit high-quality audio and video messages for the user. It can be also concluded that the use of MAN is also effective to share the information in a specific city or area efficiently during any emergency purpose.